Lion Cubs Arrive at Bush Gardens Tampa

All three of the cubs have genetic lines from the Kalahari and Kruger regions of South Africa, where lions are prized for their large size and impressive manes. Once they are large enough, staff will start introducing the cubs to the lion and hyena habitat of the Edge of Africa attraction, where they will live.

Busch Gardens landed the cubs through a relationship with a private zoological facility in South Africa. The park says that the partnership enhances the sustainability of lions living in managed care in North America, while aiding in the park’s breeding program. Busch Gardens Tampa has more than 12,000 animals.

The lion's natural habitat is the African plains. They grow to be about 500 lbs. and about 9-feet long and live in groups called prides. Lions often live about five years longer in captivity than in the wild.

Lion populations are declining rapidly all over Africa, due to loss of habitat because of development. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund supports several projects in Africa, which work to protect and preserve the species.

Fans can cast their vote for their favorite pair of names for the two female cubs on the Busch Gardens Tampa Facebook page now through Tuesday, June 18.